Samson and his law firm, Wolff & Samson, filed the suit earlier this month. They argued the commission had no jurisdiction, since the authority is governed by laws enacted by both states.

The suit was filed a day before lawmakers from both states and parties held a news conference urging New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to sign legislation overhauling the authority.

Without the signature of both governors, the legislation aimed at increasing transparency at the agency cannot become law. Cuomo faces a Saturday deadline to sign the legislation.

Samson stepped down this year amid questions he may have used the post to help his law firm's clients. He became the focus of scrutiny after another Port Authority official and one of Christie's aides ordered the closure of lanes at the George Washington Bridge in 2013.

Samson chaired the authority when New Jersey Transit — a client of his firm, according to published reports — got a $1-a-year lease for a parking lot near the Lincoln Tunnel. The previous lease was for $900,000 annually.

After Samson's resignation, the authority considered rescinding the lease.